possessed
/pəˈzɛst/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Controlled by evil spirits.
Adjective
Examples
He was exorcised because he was thought to be possessed by the Devil.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Seized by powerful emotions.
Adjective
Examples
O what ridiculous Reſolutions Men take, when poſſeſs'd with Fear! It deprives them of the Uſe of thoſe Means which Reaſon offers for their Relief.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “possessed” mean?
Controlled by evil spirits.
Is “possessed” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.